VICTORY IN IRAQ CAUCUS:“COMPLETE THE MISSION IN IRAQ”

Today, Members of the Victory in Iraq Caucus expressed their strong support for the U.S. mission in Iraq: "Today, the brave men and women of the United States military are fighting in a war that will determine the course of our nation and will guarantee the freedoms of future generations of Americans. Their mission is not easy and it will not be completed overnight. As our soldiers continue to demonstrate strength and achieve victories on the battlefields of Iraq and Afghanistan, Congress and the American people must also demonstrate the same resolve. We will successfully complete the mission in Iraq." Congressman Joe Wilson (R-SC) Co-Chair, Victory In Iraq Caucus "Withdrawing U.S. troops from Iraq at this time would send the completely wrong message to our brave troops, the Iraqi people, and the terrorists who want nothing more than to see America cut and run. With the future of Iraq still at stake, pulling out right now would undermine all the outstanding progress we've made so far, and signal to our allies throughout the world that America cannot keep its word." Congressman Mark Green (WI-08) Co-Chair, Victory In Iraq Caucus "Having been to Iraq, I remain firmly in support of our cause. Saddam Hussein and no one else made Iraq the central front in the war against terrorism. His removal was a key victory in that war. Abandoning Iraq now, as some suggest, would guarantee the failure of the mission that the troops I met with said is worth fighting for." Congressman Michael G. Oxley (OH-04) "The terrorists' strategy is not to defeat America in Iraq – they know they can't. Their strategy is to defeat America in America. If America quits, if America turns back now, no nation will be safe from terrorism again. Terrorists will learn that they can wait us out, one public opinion poll at a time. We must persist in Iraq and Afghanistan until these nations are no longer safe havens for terrorism. We have ‘taken the hill' against the terrorists. Too many Americans have sacrificed their lives for us to give it back now." Congressman Kevin Brady (TX-08) "Immediate withdrawal of U.S. forces from Iraq and Afghanistan would demoralize our troops, hearten our enemies and strike a body-blow to the movement toward freedom and self-government in those nations. We must not dishonor the brave efforts of those who have served and died. Having a son who served as a Marine Officer in Fallujah, I understand the concern that naturally arises when young Americans are in harms way. Yet I also understand the absolute necessity of supporting their efforts and the efforts of free Iraqis to establish a representative democracy. No other outcome will have acceptable consequences for the future of liberty in the Middle East and America's security." Congressman Todd Akin (MO-02) "I went to Iraq to talk with our troops. I found motivated professionals dedicated to their work, and they only asked for our support so that they could complete the mission. We must stay the course in Iraq and end our involvement with success and honor." Congressman Cliff Stearns (FL-06) "The message I hear from our troops -- those in the enlisted ranks and my West Point classmates serving in the Middle East -- is that we are making progress in Iraq. We are winning the global War on Terror. We honor those who have sacrificed to give a voice to those who were silenced for decades under a despotic regime and who no longer live in darkness. We must continue to stand strong together for our troops." Congressman Geoff Davis (KY-04) "I believe if you asked our brave men and women in uniform over there fighting in Iraq whether or not they would like to pull out before accomplishing their mission, they would completely reject that notion and I believe them too. I support of our brave men and women of the United States military, the coalition forces, and their Iraqi counterparts, who are sacrificing so much in order to secure a free, stable, and safe Iraq. Iraq will not only be shining example of democracy flourishing in a once-troubled region, it will ultimately secure a greater peace and stability for all Americans." Congressman Dan Burton (IN-05) "As the political process continues to move forward in the newly democratic Iraq, we must continue to strongly support our men and women in uniform and their mission. Instead of cutting and running, it is essential for our nation to complete and win this critical battle in the War on Terrorism." Congressman Wally Herger (CA-02) "Our military men and women are doing a tremendous job in Iraq, as they work with Iraqis to secure their country and combat the terrorists who want so desperately to prevent freedom from taking root there. Our troops deserve to hear messages of strong support and thanks from us - not calls for withdrawal that merely give hope to the enemy. Given a chance, the Iraqi military and political system will become strong enough to defend the Iraqi people on its own. But pulling our troops out now would undermine this goal and provide an opening for al Qaeda and its terrorist brethren." Congressman Paul Ryan (WI-01) "I appreciate President Bush's continued leadership through this challenging time in our nation's history and I couldn't be more proud of our military men and women who sacrifice everyday to ensure our country remains safe and secure. Our world changed on September 11th and the recent attacks in Jordan are a stark reminder of how real the threat remains today. We have a simple choice – fight our enemies in the streets of Kabul and Baghdad, or fight them in the streets of Washington, DC, Atlanta, GA, or Greenville, SC. The soldiers fighting the war on terror in Iraq need to know that their government is fully behind them and their mission. I want every one of those brave men and women to know they have my full support. No war is easy – it will take patience and perseverance to finish our mission, but a lesser result would only encourage our enemies – a fact our soldiers know well." Congressman Gresham Barrett (SC-03) "Pulling our troops out of Iraq before the job is done would do nothing but dishonor the sacrifices our men and women in uniform have already made. Through their hard work, our nation is helping Iraq lay the groundwork for freedom and self-determination. That cause could not be more vital in a country that was plagued for so many years by tyranny. I believe the U.S. must support our troops, stay the course, and complete our work in Iraq. Both the fate of democracy in the region and our very way of life depend on it." Congressman Pete Sessions (TX-32) "Our troops are in fact winning the War in Iraq, with new progress each day towards turning the country back over to Iraqi authority under a peaceful democratically-elected government. But thanks to the irresponsible, partisan political statements of Democrats, when we start to gradually reduce our troop strength next year it will be painted by Al Qaeda as a retreat, instead of the fruits of victory. Rep. Murtha has undermined the sacrifice and struggle of American Armed Forces in harm's way, in a shameful grab for political gain." Congressman Charlie Norwood (GA-09) "When a former President tears down the mission of our men and women in uniform that's disgraceful. When he does so on foreign soil, it's insulting. Those calling for immediate withdrawal from Iraq are more concerned with their own political futures than what is best for our national security and our armed forces. I support this war, I support our troops, and I believe this fight for the free world is a battle we must not give up on and must not lose." Congresswoman Marsha Blackburn (TN-07) "We need to get the job done in support of freedom and to eliminate Al-Qaeda terrorists around the world. In case people have forgotten, this is the same thing that happened in Vietnam. Peaceniks and people in Congress – and America - started saying bad things about what was going on over there. Let me tell you what it did for troop morale. It's a real downer. I just pray our troops and their families can block this noise out and know that I will fight like mad to make sure our troops have everything they need - for as long as they need - to win the global war on terrorism." Congressman Sam Johnson (TX-03) ####